The striking contrast of lush green meadows dotted with fiery red poppies, mountain peaks piercing the clouds, crystal-blue lakes, and arid ochre plains, along with diverse religious beliefs and traditions of the enchanting land of Tajikistan, is vividly reflected in the crafts and arts of its people.
One of the greatest prides of folk art is the rich and intricate ornamentation and the harmonious decorative compositions that express the diversity and infinity of life and human existence. Within these designs, winds seem to blow, real and mythical animals appear, and lush grasses grow — all embodied in colorful and gold-thread embroidery.
One of the most outstanding examples of this ancient craftsmanship is the large wall hanging known as suzani, which plays a special role not only in home decoration but also in the everyday and cultural life of the Tajik people. In addition to suzani, there are other types of embroidered textiles such as zardevor, borpush, ruijo, and kars, used to decorate walls and to cover beds, blankets, and chests. These items are smaller than suzani but feature a wider variety of patterns and colors. The embroidery of traditional clothing — dresses, skullcaps, waist scarves, robes — as well as footwear, is equally vibrant and exquisite.
Artistic weaving has existed in Tajikistan since ancient times and continues to flourish today. Cotton fabrics (alocha, bekasab) and silk textiles (khan-atlas), produced by hand and partially mechanized methods, are distinguished by their lightness and bright colors. The strict striped patterns on cotton fabrics and the flowing, borderless abr (ikat-style) designs on silk create a joyful and lively visual effect.
Throughout Tajikistan, one can also find a rich variety of artistic ceramics: faience and glazed traditional tableware, decorative bowls and vases adorned with intricate blue and dark patterns in the northern regions, and more archaic, bold designs with relief elements and slip painting in the south. Ancient dragons (ajdaho), mythical birds, lions, monkeys, goats, rams, and horses are immortalized in children’s toys, small figurines, and ceramic whistles.
Woodcarving holds a special place in Tajik craftsmanship. Here, visitors can see carved columns and lattice walls decorated by skilled kandakors (woodcarvers) with geometric and floral ornaments, solar symbols, swastika motifs (ancient symbolic signs), trefoils, dragons, and other traditional patterns.
Jewelry has long played a magical and sacred role in the life of the Tajik people and has traditionally been an integral part of national costume. Gold, silver, alloys, Badakhshan rubies, emeralds, garnets, turquoise, carnelian, and coral were transformed by master artisans into exquisite works of jewelry art — necklaces, pendant earrings, brooches, bracelets, and rings.
The radiant sun motifs on suzani, golden threads on traditional robes, the endless patterns of silk fabrics, necklaces made of coral and silver coins, and figurines of mythical creatures reveal as many secrets as ancient manuscripts about the historic Eastern land of Tajikistan and can become a stunning decoration for any home.